Team Scotland had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the facilities at the CPISRA World Games and get their first training sessions under their belt, in all three sports.
Athletics and Swimming events are being held at the Centre d’Alt Rendiment (CAR) which is a high performance sports complex with World Class facilities, in the city of Sant Cugat.
The swimming squad and their coaches arrived at the facility first for a 9.30am training session, where coaches Jennifer Quinton and Andy Hemphill put the swimmers through their paces. This allowed the swimmers to get used to their surroundings and enabled them to begin their preparations for the competition ahead. Following the session, two of the swimmers were seen for International Classification, which is a major step in their International swimming careers.
The athletics squad and their coaches arrived at CAR for a 10am start. After collecting and assembling equipment such as racing wheelchairs, throwing frames and race running bikes, the athletes began training at the track under the watchful eye of coaches Charlie Forbes, Pamela Robson and John Kinder. The athletes coped well with a variety of stretches, drills and exercises in the excessive Catalan heat.
Following lunch at the venue, the athletes and the swimmers headed back to the hotels for some rest and recovery.
The boccia players had a more restful start to the day, as their first opportunity to access the Rambla del Celler facility, which has hosted many International Boccia Championships, was not until 3.00pm. Due to the late start, the players and support staff explored the local area and enjoyed some Catalan culture. National Coach, Andrinne Craig, prepared the players with a variety of stretches and training drills allowing the players to get used to the courts and the sports hall. One of the major challenges for the players, will be overcoming the temperatures inside the hall.
After the team had dinner, transport arrived to take everyone to the Opening Ceremony at the La Guardinera facility. Following a robust selection process, it was unanimously decided that Isaac Dunning (swimming) would lead Team Scotland into the arena as the official Flag Bearer. The team were greeted with rapturous applause from an enthusiastic audience, and it was fantastic so many proud families and friends supporting.
The opening ceremony included a variety of acts with traditional Catalan dancing, a gymnastics display and a street dance display, followed by an inspirational address from multiple Paralympic medallist, Stephen Miller and local dignitaries. The final act of the night was an impressive aerial dance and light display.
Tomorrow is another day of training for athletes and swimmers, whilst the boccia players begin a development camp. The Games begin later this week.
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